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Van Marwijk named new Australia coach

Dutchman led his home country to the 2010 World Cup Final in South Africa

Bert van Marwijk has been announced as Australia’s new coach, with the Dutchman to take the Socceroos to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.

Van Marwijk was named on Thursday following Ange Postecoglou’s resignation in November.

Australia qualified for Russia 2018 with a two-legged intercontinental victory over Honduras, having overcome Syria in the Asian play-off.

The Socceroos were forced into the play-off after finishing behind a Van Marwijk-led Saudi Arabia in Group B of Asian qualifying.

The 65-year-old Van Marwijk parted company with Saudi Arabia days after ending their 12-year World Cup drought.

“I know a lot about the players and how the team has been playing after coaching against them for the two World Cup qualifiers, in 2016 and in June last year,” Van Marwijk said.

“We are not going to Russia just to be competitive. I want to win our matches.”

Van Marwijk led Netherlands to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final™ in South Africa where they were defeated by Spain in extra time.

The appointment continues a Dutch theme for Australia over the past decade, with Van Marwick following in the footsteps of compatriots Guus Hiddink and Pim Verbeek, who coached the Socceroos at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups respectively.

Football Federation Australia said arrangements for the coaching role following Russia 2018 will be announced in the near future.